Abstract
Various types of irregular mineral deposits, previously classified as ‘diffuse calcifications’, were investigated by electron microscopy on pulps of caries-free periodontopathic teeth. Half of the tissue was processed by double fixation and the other half was merely fixed with glutaraldehyde. Initial changes were observed on single collagen fibrils which appeared thickened and showed increased electron density, as they became embedded in an electron-dense, finely granular substance. Through increased deposition of this substance and fusion, larger electron-dense centres developed. Under high magnification, a thread- or needle-shaped peripheral outline is seen. Mineralized deposits, unassociated with collagen fibrils appear as aggregates of needle-shaped crystals, as finely granular deposits, or as necrotic cell fragments, the last two surrounded by electron-dense material with a crystal-like outline. The crystal structure of the deposits is best seen in specimens where osmium fixation was omitted and crystals were not obscured by contrast with an organic substrate.
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